The three “B’s” through college includes Before, Becoming and Beyond graduation. Before you begin, you pick a major and set out Becoming that by finishing the requirements. Beyond graduation the process of defining your success begins -which will look different for everyone. Some will find their life work and others may find discontent, requiring them to review their initial choice and whether or not their dissatisfaction is temporary or permanent. To start this evaluation, naturally they will look within their comfort zones for help i.e., family, friends, mentors, teachers/professors, career centers and alumni associations. The question is– if they look to their alma mater for support, will they find it? We asked alums…
Have you ever used your college career center services? 54% – YES
Their usage and results varied among the age groups ranging from very, very helpful to “No, not so much.” Alums ages 21-34 tended to rely on their advisors and professors for career coaching and career centers for resume writing, interview preparation and networking leads compared to alums over 34. Alums 35-43 and 45-54 gave higher marks for results and their connection appeared to be more intimate. The alums that said they never used their Career Centers relied exclusively on their advisors, professors and friend network for job hunting, especially in the 21-34 age group. The over 35 alums stated their non-use was due to the demand of their major and/or they chose to use outside networking.
Is it possible, that the convenience of all the online career tools is contributing to the no’s and the lack of intimacy with the 21-34 alums? Are both sides (students & career centers) missing opportunities? Again, everyone defines success differently and will take many roads to get there. Sometimes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know” is applicable when your car of success has hit a ditch and you need a tow from your comfort zone.
Alums commenting about their Career Center experience:
”They were very, very helpful” – ’86 Alum
”Very helpful in terms of interview preparation, resume writing. But would have enjoyed more help/discussion about how corporate America works, what’s acceptable in the business world, how to not be used/abused as an entry level employee, how to assert yourself at the workplace etc”-05 Alum
“Very helpful and I encourage everyone to use them” – ’96 Alum
I used the college career services when I was in college. It was helpful to connect to people in my field. ’04 Alum
Yes, very helpful. In fact I encourage all Students to use the Career Placement Office–.’86 Alum
No, I didn’t use them because other resources were available to me within my department.-’98 Alum
”There was nothing they could provide that I couldn’t figure out for myself” -’04 Alum
You need the support from the career services more after graduating. – ’85 Alum
“I think some colleges nowadays are catering too much to students. Sometimes it is nice to live in a bubble but college students need to learn how to be more independent when it comes to being in the “real world”.’02 Alum
“It seems as though the best way I have encountered career help came in the form of my advisers. The advisers were the people to talk to about what is out there for new grads. They were even the best at helping prepare applications and resumes.”– ’04 Alum
Next blog…Why 88% of the surveyed alums said no to alumni activities and is it related to their response to “Did you feel like your college supported you beyond graduation?”
